Table tennis, weight classes, cycling, swimming, surfing and dragon boat racing are regular activities Great Southern over 60’s community champions from City of Albany, Western Australia, take on in a new campaign designed to inspire the inactive over 60’s to become more active.
The Long Live You program is coming off a highly successful free winter trial where over 800 individuals signed up across Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker to take part in a range of activities that got them more physically and socially active.
Now six local champions from Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker who embody an active lifestyle no matter their excuses, or anyone else’s for that matter, are joining a campaign launch for seniors week to inspire others to follow their lead.
Throughout the campaign, each champion will share their story from the stereotypes and challenges they overcome to the benefits and happier lifestyle they enjoy.
Leading the way is 90-years-young Teresa Greeve, a regular table tennis player with the Albany Table Tennis Association, and Tony Stanton who at 89 still swims laps at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre almost daily.
Sheryl Shaylor and the Granny Grommets spend their Friday mornings in the surf, Leith Rowe rides twice a week with the ‘Cycling Cockies’, Alison Durham pulls her weight in the gym regularly, and Maureen Cowdell is proving you can even compete on the world stage at any age after returning from the dragon boat racing world championships.
City of Albany Executive Director Community Services, Susan Kay, said the Long Live You champions all have one thing in common – they enjoy the benefits of keeping active.
“Our champions aren’t just showing us what is still possible when you get to your 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, but they are defying the stereotype of ageing and giving those who are inactive motivation to take the first step towards a more active, healthy and happy lifestyle.”
As Teresa says, the premise of being too old to participate is a ‘lotta hooey’.
Long Live You is supported by Sport Australia’s Move It Aus Grants Program, City of Albany, Shire of Denmark, Shire of Plantagenet, and Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
